The Indian Coast Guard and Directorate for Revenue Intelligence intercepted a ship bound for the Maldives smuggling 29.954 kg of hashish oil worth Rs. 33 crore. Three individuals were arrested. The operation involved a tractor transporting rock blocks from Tuticorin port, where hashish oil was transferred to a load barge at sea.
Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, representing His Majesty the King, visited the JNPA-APEC Training Centre with a delegation to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Belgium. The visit included a briefing on the port’s infrastructure and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a port-focused training institute in India.
India’s Shipping Ministry aims to complete 150 projects by September 2025, focusing on shipbuilding, green shipping, and digital solutions for maritime infrastructure to unlock the Blue Economy’s potential. Minister Sonowal reviewed ongoing projects worth USD 2 trillion, setting targets to consult experts and achieve goals outlined in the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
India is striving to be a top shipbuilding nation by 2030 and 2047. Challenges such as financial constraints and skilled labor shortages must be overcome to achieve these ambitious goals. Collaboration with major players in the industry and focus on smaller vessels could help India compete with global leaders like China.
The construction of the Greenfield Vadhvan port along the Palghar coast involves reclaiming 3,500 acres from the sea using sand dredged from 50 km away. Local activists, fishing communities, and experts are concerned about negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. Critics warn of harm to sea ecosystems and call for transparent surveys before dredging.
The 54th National Safety Week 2025 at DEENDAYAL Port Authority began with a ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony, attended by Chairman Shri Sushil Kumar Singh and other dignitaries. Various initiatives were highlighted, including VR driving safety training, Mega Medical Campaign, and security competitions. The event emphasized on a commitment to safety and security.
In the first 100 days of the fiscal year 2024-25, Paradip Port Authority achieved a significant milestone by handling a record-breaking cargo volume of 41.12 million Metric Tons, showcasing a 4.78% growth compared to the previous year. This impressive performance highlights the port’s commitment to operational excellence and capacity enhancement, supporting India’s economic growth.
The Vizhinjam International Port has emerged as the top performer in cargo handling among 15 harbors in southern and eastern India. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised the port’s rapid progress and highlighted its significance in the global maritime industry. With only eight months of operation, Vizhinjam has already made a significant impact.
Chennai Port has reached a significant milestone by handling a record-breaking 1.66 million TEUs by February 28, surpassing its previous record. This achievement was accomplished a month ahead of schedule, demonstrating the port’s efficiency. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders have contributed to this success, showcasing the port’s commitment to excellence.
In February 2025, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) experienced a significant increase in container traffic, handling 616,164 TEUs, which was 9.14% higher than the same month in 2024. The total cargo handled during this month was 7.56 million tonnes, showing a 2.09% increase compared to February 2024.
The national waterways project, expected to be completed by 2025, aims to attract private sector investments for terminal construction and streamlining processes within India’s waterway network. The government hopes this will increase private entity involvement, boost infrastructure development, and enhance business operations, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable growth.
AP Moller-Maersk recently held a name ceremony for its latest dual-fuel-methanol ship at Gateway Terminals India, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable maritime development. The event, attended by top officials and dignitaries including Indian ministers, highlighted India’s role in green shipping initiatives. The newly named Albert Maersk signifies Maersk’s efforts towards decarbonization and use of alternative fuels.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launched initiatives to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure and enhance global trade. The Operational Norms Overhaul Process (ONOP) aims to streamline operations, while Sagar Ankalan LPPI and Bharat Global Ports Consortium will boost efficiency and enhance India’s global competitiveness in the maritime sector.
The Supreme Court has requested an independent expert agency to assess the environmental impact of a multi-billion rupee port project in Palghar, Maharashtra. The ruling came after a plea from the National Fishworkers Forum, citing concerns about environmental and livelihood issues. The court highlighted the importance of proper planning and environmental protection.
M2M Ferries, known for its Ro-Ro service between Mumbai and Mandwa, is set to launch a new Mumbai-Goa RoPAX ferry service. With a 15-year-old vessel from Italy being prepared to accommodate 620 passengers and 60 cars, the company is awaiting approvals to begin operations, aiming to complete the journey in just six and a half hours.
